The melodic pop rock of WORLD WITHOUT END attracted many favourable comments at this year's Cross Rhythms Festival. Trevor Kirk spoke to the band

World Without End

East Anglia's World Without End have recently released their third album, their first on CD. In search of more insight into their philosophy and where they see themselves in the future, I contacted Messrs Tony Hood (guitar and lead vocals), Richie Minns (lead guitar and vocals), Phil Taylor (bass guitar and vocals) and Mark Wilding (drums)

Trevor: How did the band get together in the first place?
Phil: "I'd been playing in secular bands, but really felt God was calling me to do something different. I advertised in a local music shop for other Christian musicians, and Mike (Philbert), who used to be our lead guitarist, replied. He in turn drafted in Tony from the church he attended and the rest is history.

The current line-up's been together now for over two years and we all feel it's the best yet; we all get on really well and we've really grown together". I discovered later that Richie and Phil had played together in an earlier band, so when Mike, who'd been a founder member of WWE, returned to the USA in 1996, the old pals' grapevine worked to their advantage, and Richie was the obvious and ready-made replacement. Also I found out that Mark took over the drumming duties at two days' notice prior to a gig, so join a rock band and experience a steep learning curve!

Trevor: What about your style; it's very Brit-pop -how did it develop?
Phil: "Whatever music you listen to, you tend, consciously or not, to get into that groove or style. If you're a songwriter, you tend to be influenced by the music you listen to. There's been no conscious effort to write a song in a certain style; different band members bring different influences, and things change as you listen to different groups as you go along. There's been a progression over the three albums we've done so far, the next one will define our style even more."

Trevor: How would you define the band's ministry? I see from your gig list that you've played an amazing variety of venues.
Tony: "As Christians, we believe that we have a message to give and a job to do. Our music is a way of reaching people who wouldn't necessarily be exposed to the Gospel. We're able to go into pubs, clubs and such places to speak to people through song, and how we behave. Obviously we use discernment, but we don't shy away if someone wants to know who we are or what we're all about. But we also play in churches and youth groups, to show that there are equally good Christian alternatives to the secular music that's around. CCM challenges people's conceptions of 'Christian' music, and we actually need to be better than our secular counterparts, not only to prove the point, but to honour God. The band and its music was created by God, and we have to use them to serve and glorify the Lord Jesus. We're just going, as he did, to where the people are."

Trevor: So what about the recordings - can you talk us through the eight songs on the new CD?
Phil: "Our first album 'Bridge' was recorded in two days. It reflected very much our live sound at the time; we think it's got a great raw edge to it. 'Nothing To Hide' came out the following year and had a fuller sound, mainly down to our developing style and the luxury of more time spent recording and producing. We're very pleased with both of them, and still play songs from them in the live set to date." Tony: "The title of the new album comes from the fact that, whilst the line-up and sound of the band had changed, some things hadn't: God's love for us and our commitment to him. 'Place For Peace' is about spending time away from rushing about, and using it to rest at our Father's feet, not only that, but also saying to people, you'll find the peace and security you need through life with Jesus. 'Life' talks about the challenge of making decisions in your life, because everyone at some stage has to decide whether or not to follow Christ. 'Inner Me' I wrote after the breakdown of a relationship, when God taught me to stop focussing on myself, and I learned that the only way for the downward spiral to stop was to refocus on him. 'I Know' is an affirmation that no matter how far we feel from God, however unworthy we think we are, his love is real, the promise is kept. 'In My Heart With You' speaks of the doubts that we sometimes feel, but tells us to realise that God really does love us."

Richie: '"How Long" is a song I wrote about six years ago whilst watching the News on TV. It seems that people say how terrible things are in the world, but don't do anything about it. We as Christians should be people of actions and not just words." Tony: "'River' was written when Richie brought this riff along to a band practice, and I wrote the lyrics on the subject of being completely submerged in God's love. The Bible talks about God being like a river, and it's just such a great image, because he is like that; and 'Hold Me Tight' I wrote with both God and my wife in mind. Quite simply, it's a love song to both of them."

Trevor: You played an excellent set at Cross Rhythms Reformation Of A Generation, but I think you're more a ministry band than a festival band. How would you like the band to develop?
Richie: "We've had a wide range of experiences, having done everything from playing in venues in Ireland, both North and South, to leading worship at a local church. We want to carry on learning and playing wherever people need us." Mark: "Performing at more intimate venues is great, because it gives us the chance to talk to people more easily. Having said that, though, it'd be great to be invited to more festivals in future." Tony: "Whilst it'd be great to do a tour as support to Delirious?, or to get signed to a record company, that's not really the reason for our existence. Our goal is to serve God, and if we manage to bring people closer to him, then everything we've done will have been worthwhile. We really just want that servant heart."